Lucy passed away yesterday.
She died in the very spot she always slept, in our bedroom, surrounded by the love of her family, friends, and people around the world who never met her but wrote to her here at Holy Cow! wishing her the best after she began her battle with osteosarcoma, a deadly bone cancer, nearly two-and-a-half years ago. To all of you, Desi and I want to say thank you with all our hearts. We loved it that you loved our girl.
Lucy came to us as a one-year-old from the Washington Humane Society, our first rescue dog. She was a huge German Shepherd mix who looked like a wolf, with a past that was a mystery and a heart that was full of love. The first night she came home I fell asleep on the couch watching TV, and woke up to an unknown sensation: a huge doggie tongue planting slobbery kisses all over my face. Lucy was not a prolific kisser, as I found out eventually, and today I know exactly how special that kiss was, and how much love and trust it offered to a human she'd just met. No one had told her she had been adopted, but it was like she knew we would be together for life.
The next morning, when Desi took her for a walk, she slipped out of the collar to chase another dog and disappeared into the woods. An hour later, she found her way home by herself, even though she had just lived with us a few hours. She knew she was home and she wasn't going anywhere.
We named her Lucy after the wonderful Lucille Ball, because of her unusual red coat and her screwball behavior, especially right after we had adopted her. She loved stealing and chewing on dry flowers. I'd be sitting in the room and the vase would be right near the door and I'd see a head pop around the corner, mischief written all over the face. I'd pretend not to notice and she would grab a couple of dry stems and take off down the stairs to find a secret place to enjoy them.
When we brought Opie home, he was just a puppy and had to be crated for a lot of the time. Lucy would not let him sleep, so I had to keep them separated for a good part of the day. But she'd find ways to get to him, including crawling across the room, close to the floor, hoping I wouldn't notice. It was the cutest thing I'd ever seen.
We had many nicknames for her: Fan-Face, as Desi liked to call her, because of the way her two huge, pointed ears framed her long, pointed muzzle. Lucita Momo (whatever that means-- ask Desi), Lucinda, Lucille, and Angel-Face. Peanut, because she loved nothing more than peanuts in their shells. She would sit patiently while Desi shelled peanuts for her, and guzzle them in the blink of an eye. Strangely enough, she did not like pre-shelled peanuts. Go figure.
Today I can only think of how much I miss her. I miss the feeling of her soft ear in the palm of my hand. I miss the sweet smell of her fur when I'd kiss her behind her head, I miss how wonderful she felt when I hugged her, or how honored I felt when she shyly offered one of her rare kisses. I miss how she followed me around the house, hid in the closet during a thunderstorm, begged for a ride in the car at every possible opportunity, danced around my feet when I came home from work, and offered me her belly to rub.
If there is a heaven, Lucy must surely be in it today, along with all those other great animals who make our lives so much better than we can imagine. For me, Lucy was a life-changer. Loving her and learning how intelligent, gentle, and loving she was opened my eyes to the suffering other intelligent, gentle, and loving animals endure in our world. She was the reason I went vegan. She was the reason I started to write Holy Cow! and met you all.
I am a better person for knowing Lucy. For that, and so many more wonderful reasons she gave me over 10 years, she will always be my true love.
Sleep tight, my baby.
Kelly Monster says
Oh I'm so sorry. I'm crying at my desk for a person I never met - such a lovely tribute. Have you ever heard of Rainbow Bridge? I'm sure she'll be there waiting for you.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_Bridge_%28pets%29
Kath says
Sweet dreams lovely girl xx
Meghan says
I'm so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful dog, and you were all very lucky to have had each other.
Mel says
Vaishali, my thoughts are with you and Desi. This was such a beautiful post which brought me to tears. It was lovely to hear that Lucy was able to pass away peacefully at home with her parents. I'm sure you will always miss Lucy and will remember the good times fondly but the loss will always hurt.
RIP Lucy. If there is a doggie heaven I would love to think that you and Jasper are there and happily running around on 4 legs now.
Niru says
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Your post moved me to tears. May you find the strength the heal with time!
Karen's Vegan Kitchen says
I am so sorry for your loss. Lucy sounded very special indeed. Thank you for sharing.
arundati says
tough to type through tears. RIP Lucy, rest well. My deepest condolences to you and Desi. Lucy found the best family she could have, and with no idea how she changed your life and touched all of ours too. Take care....
arundati says
Finding it tough to type through the tears. RIP Lucy and my deepest condolences to you and Desi. She found in you the best home she could have and lived a beautiful life, not knowing how deeply she touched your life and our out here too. Many hugs
Andrea says
So sorry for your loss. I know how much it hurts to lose a beautiful and loving friend like Lucy. I know her memory will always warm your heart.
Anonymous says
Thank you for sharing Lucy with us! The pictures of her are beautiful. Aloha, your readers in Hawaii
Anu says
So very sorry for your loss. As the 'person' for two rescue dogs and cats, I know how strong the bonds are and how much these 'pets' enhance our lives. I hope that her memories will always be strong and give you the strength you need in the next few days, weeks, months and years. Her special essence will always be with you. So very sorry.
Bea Elliott says
Lucy sounds like she was such a special girl... I'm glad she had the best love on earth in your care. I hope the memory of her sweetness comforts you as you move on. Goodbye Dear Lucy.
Kirsten Lindquist says
I am sorry you have lost her physical presence in your life but I'm sure her spirit will linger with you! Thanks for sharing and my your grief pass quickly! Much love
Bridget says
I am so sorry that you lost your beloved Lucy; what a beautiful dog. I loved reading your tribute to her especially the part where she found her way home to her forever home after having her for only a few hours; what a wonderful memory. I lost my almost 12 year old lab-pit mix, Avery, in July; it sure leaves a hole in your heart. Unfortunately that's what we sign on for when we bring them home but the joy they bring into our lives makes it worth it. Thanks for sharing Lucy's story; she saved so many animals by her presence in making you a vegan and influencing others with Holy Cow!. Take care.
caren says
Vaishali,
Please know that many of us who love all animals are so touched by your beauty and your kindness. Lucy was a very beloved dog and I am sure she shared her love wonderfully. There is very little to say that can ease your grief other than to know that you gave her the life every dog deserves and then some. I hope you are eased by the knowledge that many of us so understand your pain and hope you will have moments of joy as time passes.
-Caren
rosielinc says
This made a difference to me when we lost my special girl this June:
Anu says
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your story <3
Anonymous says
I'm sorry for your loss. It's nice to know how Loved Lucy was. They all deserve that but too few get it. Take care.
Nupur @ One Hot Stove says
It is hard to weep and type at the same type so I'll just say I'm sorry for your loss and send you hugs across cyberspace.
Sangita Kalarickal says
Oh, Vaishali, I'm so sorry! I've known Lucy through your posts and feel pain at the loss, even though I never met her. Sending you hugs. And strength. And love.
Mints! says
Love you Lucy and I will miss you dearly.
Thank you Vaishali for sharing. Hugs to you all.
evolvingtastes says
So sorry for your loss, Vaishali. Virtual hugs to you to find strength in this time of grief.
That's beautifully written tribute.
Connie, Orlando says
Thank you for sharing Lucy with us. She was a beautiful & very special lady. Having lost so many of my dogs & cats over the years, each one special in their own way, I understand the pain of loss you feel. Life without her will be rough, but had she not entered your life neither you, Lucy or Desi would have experienced the joy and delight she brought to you & that she gained from both of you. Bottom line for me - the LIFE is worth the pain. The life is what will always remain. Much love coming your way.
Carol Hope says
I'm deeply moved by your beautiful story about Lucy. May she rest in peace. I send you my condolences from Rochester, New York.
Richa says
i am so sorry Vaishali. sending you all love and strength.
this is a beautiful post.. all those memories and incidents made me smile through the tears..
Rest in peace sweet Lucy.
Kamini says
So sorry V. Hang in there. Thinking of you and Desi and all your animal family. She found the best home on this planet.
Anonymous says
I am certain that Lucy was happy to have you all as her family and I have a small idea how much you are hurting because of the love you shared and how much you will miss her Rest in peace sweet Lucy.
Thank you for letting us read her story and You are in my thoughts and prayers
sheela says
Hello Vaishali,
I am so sorry to hear about Lucy! Sorry for your loss....
Thanks for sharing!!
Hugs to you
Sheela
Anonymous says
My heart goes out to you. It's amazing, isn't it, that creatures that never utter a word can be such a profound part of our lives. Maybe that's why the loss is so heavy on our hearts - we've known them best by looking in to their eyes, and seeing their hearts. There is nothing that can adequately capture that connection. I do take more video now though - sometimes after they've gone I like to imagine that they're looking through the small screen at me.
Amy says
I'm so sorry. 🙁 She was a beautiful girl, and lucky to have such a caring family.